There has been frequent smoke haze and poor air quality in many areas across Victoria following the January bushfires, raising concerns for all children and especially those with asthma, allergies or other pre-existing health conditions.
Young children are at a higher risk of experiencing respiratory problems caused by exposure to smoke as their lungs are still developing and maturing. In addition, smoke from the bushfires often contains fine particles which are toxic when breathed in, which can result in respiratory inflammation. Children who have not previously displayed symptoms of allergies or asthma may also be at risk, and experience asthma symptoms.
It’s important to remind families regularly throughout the year to update the service about any changes to their children’s health, or any recent symptoms as it allows staff to be aware of additional health risks.
Actions to protect all children - daily procedures
Providers and services are encouraged to check daily air quality forecasts for their area and regularly monitor the air quality before scheduling daily routines. This way staff can determine the best times to go outside, as air quality particles can change from hour to hour, and day to day.
This additional air quality check can be incorporated into other daily procedures at the start of each day alongside monitoring other hazards like UV and heat. Check the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s air quality forecasts for your area at: Check air and water quality.
Actions to protect children with asthma or allergies
Services should already be aware of each child’s medical needs based on the information provided by families in their enrolment records. Each child with a diagnosed health care need, allergy or relevant medical condition must also have medical management plans and communication plans.
Staff should be trained so they know how to respond appropriately to each child, and have the correct first aid, anaphylaxis management and asthma management training.
Finally, all relevant medications for each child must are stored appropriately so they are effective when required and checked regularly to ensure they have not expired.
Add information about managing air quality risks after bushfires to your Emergency Management Plan (EMP)
We recommend that services include procedures to manage the risks of poor air quality in their service’s Emergency Management Plan (EMP). Some examples of actions to consider are:
Medical
- Call 000 if anyone is experiencing wheezing, chest tightness and difficulty breathing.
- Closely monitor adverse effects of smoke on children and staff.
- Children and staff with existing heart or lung conditions (including asthma) should follow the treatment plan advised by their doctor.
- Asthmatics must follow their personal asthma action plan and keep a reliever or inhaler on hand.
- Notify parents/carers about conditions, and ensure they cater for their child’s needs, such as providing an extra inhaler.
Activities
- Restrict outdoor activities or cancel, re-schedule or use alternative venues for any outdoor activities.
- Close windows and doors.
- Switch air conditioners to 're-circulate' or 'reuse air’ (turn it off if it doesn’t have this function).
- Limit prolonged or heavy physical activity relative to the conditions.
Notification/information – as appropriate
- Notify and/or seek advice from your PMC if required.
- Report serious incidents to VECRA in accordance with relevant regulatory requirements and service agreement.
Additional resources
- EPA air quality forecasts – Check air and water quality
- Bushfire smoke affects children differently – here’s how to protect them
- Allergy Aware – Best practice guidelines for anaphylaxis prevention and management in children’s education and care services – new version coming soon
- Access a broad range of useful expert resources from Allergy aware
- Managing children's medical conditions in early childhood services
- Melbourne Pollen – count and forecast
- First aid qualifications and training
Updated